Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed sorrow over the demise of two devotees during the Rath Yatra of Mahaprabhu Shree Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra in Puri. One devotee passed away due to suffocation in the crowd, while another died of a cardiac arrest. The Chief Minister extended condolences to the families and prayed for the departed souls’ peace.
The administration promptly provided medical aid to other ill devotees, ensuring they received necessary treatment. Chief Minister Majhi wished the ailing devotees a speedy recovery and instructed the administration to offer proper medical care. He affirmed that the situation in Puri is under control and normal.
In response to the incident, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress criticized the state government for the devotees’ deaths during the Rath Yatra. The government refuted claims of a stampede, emphasizing that essential services operated smoothly throughout the festival. Chief Minister Majhi thanked the devotees for their cooperation, contributing to the festival’s peaceful conduct.
Official reports indicated around 12 lakh devotees visited Puri during the Rath Yatra. Due to the chariots not reaching the Gundicha Temple, devotees will resume pulling them on Friday morning.
